a fighting chance — a real but difficult possibility of success
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
a small but genuine possibility of achieving something, even though it will be very hard and success is not likely.
Say it like a native
Textbook There is a small but genuine possibility that we will succeed.
Native We've got a fighting chance.
'A fighting chance' carries 'small but real, and worth fighting for' in three words.
Pattern: have/give/stand a fighting chance (of + -ing/noun)
In use
- If we start now, we still have a fighting chance of finishing the project on time.daily life
- In my opinion, everyone deserves a fighting chance to succeed, regardless of their background.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ We have a fighting chance to win the case.
✓ We have a fighting chance of winning the case.
'A fighting chance OF -ing', not 'to'.
Common collocations
give/have a fighting chance— give, have, of winning, at
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'a good chance' (which means a high probability), 'a fighting chance' suggests that success is possible but unlikely unless you put in a lot of effort.